by Andromeda
"Hello," a gentle voice says, making my heart stop in my chest. "I'm Dr. Robinson and I'll be your..."
She stops when she looks up and sees me, her jaw dropping to the ground.
"Mia angela," I whisper in shock.
She, however, turns from me and looks at Rosie. "Hello there," she coos, instantly going into mothering mode. "What's your name?"
"Wosie," she answers, her thick accent seeming thicker because of her baby tongue.
Malaika looks at me and I mouth, "Rosie."
She nods and turns back to my daughter. "Well then Rosie, it's nice to meet you. You can call me Dr. Robin."
"Dr. Wobin," she repeats, making Malaika smile.
That smile...it's haunted me for years. She hasn't changed a bit, but is it possible for a woman to get sexier in three years? I inwardly groan, making Malaika look at me out of the corner of her eye, but then turn back to Rosie.
"So," she says. "What brings you in, Rosie?"
"I got a boo-boo," she says, holding out her arm.
Carefully, Malaika unwraps the cloth I had pressed to Rosie's arm and her eyes widen for a moment. "Well that's not that big a boo-boo. I can help you. Do you want me to help?"
"Si per favore," Rosie says, sucking on her thumb.
Leaving us for a moment, Malaika comes back with a stitching packet and my heart freezes in my chest. Rosie hates needles.
"Um..." I say, finding my voice for the first time. "Maybe...er...we shouldn't."
"I know what I'm doing, Sir," she says, her voice unweaving. "However, if you can't do this, then please step outside."
There is a smirk on her lips, and I know she's playing with me. "No," I say shaking my head. "I'm fine."
"Good. Now Rosie, please hold out your arm."
Rosie holds it out, but when she sees the numbing needle her eyes widen with fright.
"No! No! No!" she cries. "Babbo No! No needles!!"
Malaika smiles and puts the needle behind her back. "It's nothing to be afraid of, little Rosie," she coos. "It's to help you. You know what? Do you like music?"
Rosie nods her head furiously. "Si!"
"I'm from Jamaica, want to hear a song in my native tongue?"
Rosie nods. "Si! I want to hear it!"
Smiling, Malaika covers Rosie's arm and begins to sing and as she sings, she works quickly but also gently.
Dere is a brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
Dere is a brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
Shi luk lakka sugar and a plum
Plum plum.
Show mi yu motion
Tra la la la la
Show mi yu motion
Tra la la la la la
Show mi yu motion
Tra la la la la
Shi luk lakka sugar and a plum
Plum plum.
Skip across the ocean
Tra la la la la
Skip across the ocean
Tra la la la la la
Skip across the ocean
Tra la la la la
Shi luk lakka sugar and a plum
Plum plum
Within minutes, Rosie's arm is perfectly stitched up and wrapped up with a protective bandage. She's mesmerized by Malaika, and honestly so am I. I've never heard her sing before, and she has the most heavenly voice.
"Finished," she says, kissing Rosie's hand with a smile.
"Ancora! Ancora!" Rosie chants.
Malaika looks at me and I smile. "She means again."
"I'd love to, Rosie," she says. "But I can't. I have other patients. But...I promise that if we see each other again, then I'll do it."
Rosie smiles and nods. "Alright."
Malaika kisses Rosie's cheek and then leaves the room. Picking Rosie up, I take her to the cafeteria for some lunch...and I see Malaika there with her friends. I scan my eyes over them and I see that there is one man that I don't recognize. Malaika giggles and laughs him, slapping his shoulder and then pushing him away when he kisses her cheek. My blood boils. How dare he! How dare she! She's mine!
No she's not, my voice of reason says. You chose Brittany over her. You could have gone and begged for her back, but instead you took the coward's way out.
I mentally slap myself, but my mind is right. I could have gone back to her, I could have dropped down on my knees to beg for her back. I could have confessed to her my feelings. But no, I didn't. I held onto my pride and left, leaving with Brittany for Naples. Now Malaika is with another, and I'm alone.
Chapter Fourteen: A Sweet Tooth
Malaika
"...ok, that's my last one. I'm heading home."
Joy taps my shoulders. "Have a good night, Mala."
"Thanks, see you tomorrow."
I change and walk to my car. As I'm opening, I sense a presence behind me and whip around to face...Giovanni. He stares at me, his grey eyes zeroed in onto my hazel ones. My heart beats frantically in my chest at our closeness, but I quickly harden myself.
He left you Mala, I say to myself. He chose that blond woman instead of you.
"Hello Mr. Rinaldi," I say, pulling myself together. "Is Rosie alright?"
His face falls for a moment. I guess he was expecting me to throw myself into his arms. Well think again, mister.
"S...she's fine," he says lowly, taking a step toward me.
I back up, my back hitting my car. "Um...that's good to hear. Now if you excuse me..."
"Stop playing, Mala," he says huskily. "I can tell you still want me."
My jaw drops. "Excuse me?"
"I can see it in your eyes, how they follow me...you can cut with the acting tough. It's been two weeks since I've come back...and I want you too..."
He trails his hand across my cheek, and I'm taken aback by his boldness.
This cocky bata...I think to myself
I slap his hand away and then slap him across the face as hard as I can, the sound echoing. "Do...not...touch...me," I say through clenched teeth.
He rubs his cheek, almost as if caressing my hand print; then he lunges, pressing his lips deeply against my own as his hands grip my hips. My body betrays me. The familiarity of his kisses and caress spark a fire that I thought had died. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer as his tongue invades my mouth, battling my own for dominance; then I snap back into reality.
This man lied to me; this man played with my emotions then disappeared for three years, bringing back the child of the woman he left me for, and then expects me to lay back and open my legs to him? Hell to the no!
Yanking myself back, I push him with all the strength I can muster before slapping him across the face. His response is laughter!
"Che donna! Hai ottenuto piu forte il mia angela!" he laughs.
"English asshole!" I hiss at him.
"I said, you've gotten stronger, my angel," he chuckles. "Something that really turns me on."
"Well you're not going to enjoy any of it," I snap.
Smirking, he steps closer and grabs my hips. "You sure about that, mia angela?" he whispers huskily.
"Get your hands off me before I castrate you," I say through gritted teeth.
He throws his head back and laughs harder before looking at me. "You and I both know that you won't do that."
"Keep 'em there and try me."
He licks his bottom lip slowly, his eyes locked onto mine. "Just as feisty as I remember...I can't wait to be plunging into your depths..."
A shudder shoots up my spine at his words, and I feel a heat pooling between my legs. I struggle to keep a straight face. "You'll never get the chance."
"That's where you're wrong, mia angela, that's where you're wrong. You see, I'm a Rinaldi, and we Rinaldis always get what we want..."
"Well you had a chance," I say as sweetly as possible. "I...felt something with you Giovanni, and you shattered my heart. You have a child, an heir if you want to call her
that. Now leave me alone."
"Can't do that, mia angela," he whispers, leaning closer. "I've tasted caramel chocolate...and now I've got a sweet tooth."
"Well fill it someplace else, because I'm done with you."
"We'll see, mia angela," he whispers, letting me go. "We'll see."
He steps away and I get in my car. With shaky fingers, I turn the key into the ignition and drive off. I can still feel his lips on mine, the way his hands held me with both tenderness and firmness, the feel of him when he...I shake my head.
Oh my goodness Mala, get a grip! He left you, remember? He picked someone else over you! He left you alone after you lost your baby! He doesn't deserve any kind of sympathy from you whatsoever!
A couple weeks later, Pearl and I walk into work talking about Giovanni's wandering hands.
"And then he kissed me!" I grumble.
Pearl laughs. It's been almost 2 weeks and he still presses his advances on me, and of course I refuse them. This would be harassment if I didn't find a bit of humor in it—well, that and I get a little turned on, but I don't tell him that.
"Sounds like the Italian sausage wants his chocolate back!" Pearl laughs.
"Will you stop calling him that?" I say, trying to sound annoyed, but can't help but smirk at it. "Come on, let’s get to work."
********************************
Giovanni
I watch as Malaika bends over to pick up some files that I purposefully knocked over, shamelessly checking out her ass. It's gotten bigger...as have her hips. I can't wait to grip them as she rides me.
"Fratellino?" a voice suddenly says.
I turn and see Romero watching me watch Malaika, and my face pales at the look at his face. He knows.
"So..." he says with a smirk. "That's the fanciulla that's stolen your heart? She's hot."
"Vai all'inferno!" I growl at him. I turn back, but my sweet angel is gone. Dannazione!
My brother laughs and slaps my shoulder. "Wow fratellino, you've got it bad!"
"Says who?" I snarl.
"Says that tent in your pants," he says with a smirk. "I mean geeze, there are children here!"
I look down and quickly cover myself with my briefcase. Dannazione!
"Don't worry about it, grande fratello," I grumble as we walk back to my office. "She doesn't want me."
"Oh?"
I take a risk and tell him everything about Malaika and I, and I do mean everything. By the time I'm done, his face is both red with anger and shame.
"Of all the culo muto things to do!" he growls. "Disonore!"
"I know, I know," I sigh, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "I messed up big time!"
He looks at me up and down as he rubs his chin. "Well...do you care for her?"
"I do, I haven't felt this way since..."
"Veronica," he finishes for me. "Have you told this girl about her?"
I shake my head. "I'm scared to."
"Well fratellino, honesty is the best policy."
"Well, I broke that," I mumble. "I don't know what is it about her...she just makes me feel so...different. When I was with her, I felt better for those eight-months; than with Veronica, and I was with her for eight years. But I was stupid, and have done things that hurt her. Now I've lost her."
We stand up and walk to my door. Malaika stands by the front desk, laughing with this man. My eyes narrow and I clench my fists; my brother sees everything.
"Lost things can always be found again, fratellino," he says. "You just have to search for them hard enough, and show them their true worth."
Chapter Fifteen: A The 'L' Word
Giovanni
Ok, let me make sure I have all this done. Suit: check. Reservations at her favorite restaurant: check. Talking with Joy to give her the night off: check.
I smirk to myself as I get ready for work. I've done well this time, if I do say so myself. I've followed Romero's instructions to the T. For the last couple weeks, I've given Malaika a 'break' from my advances, but still have lightly flirted and complimented her on her work. She has lightly responded, offering me small smiles instead of her normal scowls. Having a cute daughter helps too.
Rosie adores her and she adores Rosie, so to help my plan I bring Rosie to work every Thursday and Friday, letting her hang out in the play room with some of the patients who are not seriously ill. Malaika sometimes brings her siblings and can't help but smile at them since Robyn and Rosie are now the best of friends.
As I pull into the hospital parking lot, I see Malaika get out of her car...with that man! I grip my steering wheel tightly as I watch him talk, and then he kisses her on her cheek before they go in. I grind my teeth. Malaika Robinson is mine! I don't share with anyone!
Getting out of my car, I march up into my office; after a couple minutes of me trying to cool down, I tell Patty to page Malaika. She closes the door and stands a couple meters away, her arms crossed.
"You wanna tell me why I'm here?" she asks in her sassy tone that normally drives me crazy.
"There is a no fraternization policy here at this hospital," I say, trying to keep from jumping her and flinging her on my desk.
"So?" she says. "You broke it several times."
"I don't give a damn what I've done!" I growl. "Who the hell was that man with you!"
She smirks. "None of your damn business."
I clench my fists. Easy Gio, I tell myself. You're trying to be nice to her. To show her you've changed.
I clear my throat and shift in my seat. "F...fair enough. Listen Malaika I...was wondering if you'd..."
"No," she says before I can finish.
Well damn. "I...I'm sorry?"
"You heard me," she says. "No. As in Neine, Neyt, Nu, and so forth."
"B...but why..."
"Because Giovanni I told you, you had a chance and...you ruined it."
"I'm trying to change, please. I...just want to get to know you. Without the contact, which I burned by the way. Can we please start over?"
To prove how sorry, I am I get up and walk over to her, and drop to my knees while holding her hands. I never thought that I'd be on my knees in front of a woman. Hell, women have always been on their knees in front of me; but I look into her eyes, holding my breath for her answer.
"Fine," she finally breathes. "I guess ONE date couldn't hurt."
Smiling, I stand to my feet but she holds up her hand. "However, this does not mean I forgive you."
"I understand," I say with a smile. "You won't be disappointed."
Nodding, she leaves and I go to my phone, dialing my brother's number. "It worked, on to step two."
********************************
Malaika
If you would have told me that Giovanni Rinaldi would be on his knees in front of me, I would have told you that something isn't right in your head. If you would have told me that Giovanni Rinaldi was on his knees begging for me to go out with him, I would have told you to go check into a mental hospital. A couple months ago, if he had asked me I would have told him to go shove his date plans where the light doesn't shine; but here I am, getting ready for a date with the man. Pearl video chats with me as I finish my hair.
"Remember, don't put out on the first date," she says.
"Pearl, the man's known for his suaveness; if he wants...that...then he might get it."
"Only if you give it."
"Ok, ew Pearl, please don't have dirty thoughts right now."
She laughs. "What? I'm just being truthful!"
Honk! Honk!
I look outside and see a...limo with Giovanni standing by it waiting for me.
"Speak of the devil."
"Hey, the devil was an angel," she points out.
"Until he got cocky and God threw him out of heaven."
"Chill Mala, he got down on his knees for you. Give him a little bit of a chance..."
Sighing, I get my purse. "Fine, but he better not try anything."
"Call me if he does, I'll show him why I have
these 5 black belts..."
I laugh. "Alright, later girl."
"Later!"
I hang up and walk down the stairs. Remy sits on the couch and when he looks up, he gives a low whistle.
"Damn sè ti! Looking good!"
I laugh. "Shut up!"
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Can you get that for me? I want to check my makeup one last time."
He nods and hops up, answering the door as I look over my makeup one last time before joining him. Giovanni is staring at him and if looks could kill, Remy would be sliced up with knives.
I smirk to myself; he still doesn't know that Remy is my brother, and thus I decide to play on his petty jealousy a bit.
"See you when I get back," I tell Remy with a peck on the cheek. "And make sure that the kids don't walk all over you."
He laughs and slaps my butt. "See you later, Mala."
By now, Giovanni is looking at if he would strangle Remy, then kiss me senseless and screw me until I couldn't walk straight. That dragon between his legs should be illegal...
I give Giovanni my most innocent smile before walking to the limo and climbing in. When he gets in next to me and shuts the door, the driver pulls off.
I glance at him every now and then, and see a vein bulging in his neck as he struggles to keep his temper in check.
"I guess," he says after several moments of silence. "That I deserved that..."
I burst out laughing. "You should have seen the look on your face!"
He grits his teeth. "So...are you two together or..."
"Yeah, you could say that," I laugh. "We've been together for a long time..."
"YOU'RE MINE!" he suddenly bursts out, slamming his fist on the window. "I won't share you with any man!"
I laugh harder, my breaths coming in soft gasps.
"I don't see anything funny about this," he says through clenched teeth.
"Because..." I choke. "That man is my brother. My oldest brother Remy, to be exact."
He looks at me in confusion. "B...but I've seen you two at the hospital."
"He works there now," I say as my laughter dies down. "He was in the army, but got discharged because he lost his leg."
"But...you two are all so...close..."
